Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau conveyed his reprisal on US President Donald Trump’s intention to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada by inflicting economic pain on the US to get Trump to back down.
President Trump on the first day of his office announced his plans to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico alleging them of allowing vast numbers of people and fentanyl to come in. He communicated that the sanctions would commence on February 1.
Addressing these claims by Trump, the Canadian PM at a special cabinet meeting in Montebello shared his expectation of uncertainty from Trump while dealing with him.
He described Trump as a skilled negotiator and mentioned Trump strives to do what he can to keep his negotiating partners a little off balance. He also noted Canada as a good negotiator and revealed his plans of inflicting economic pain on the US to get Trump to back down.
He shared that Canada’s goal is to only avoid tariffs and foster “a very positive relationship with the US”. However, clarified the country’s stance of not submitting to Trump’s threats.
He stated that for Trump to usher in a “golden age of America” with a thriving economy, the U.S. would need Canadian natural resources such as oil, lumber, steel, aluminum, and other minerals. This gives Canada leverage.
